San Jose Sharks: If Doug Wilson Does Not Deliver a Cup, He Should Be Fired

It’s that time of year again—the trade deadline has come and gone, and we are now coming down the home stretch towards the postseason. For the San Jose Sharks, this is normally the time of year that they find themselves in a position to make the playoffs, prepping for a championship run.

Never in their franchise history have they won it all. That is, since 1991. It might be safe to say the Sharks are the most unfortunate team in all of hockey.  In their 20 years of existence, the Sharks have made the playoffs 70 percent of the time. All they have to show for it is three Western Conference Finals appearances and no Stanley Cups.

It is also true that San Jose has one of the most loyal fan bases in hockey. Sellout crowds rock the “Shark Tank” every game, even though they have yet to be rewarded with a championship.

Which is why the entire San Jose Sharks’ front office is on a short leash. From head coach Todd McClellan to GM Doug Wilson, they are on the hot seat that appears to be getting hotter with every disappointing playoff run.

Which is unfortunate. Since Wilson took over as Sharks’ GM in 2003, San Jose has made the playoffs every single season. Wilson has built a playoff-type roster year-after-year, yet his team has not delivered for him in the postseason.

It is even more unfortunate for McClellan.  In his first three seasons as head coach of San Jose, his record is 104-38-22, which is unbelievable for any coach. He was the third head coach in NHL history to record 50-plus wins in each of his first two seasons.

It is a huge shame that both Doug Wilson and Todd McClellan are in danger of losing their jobs, but I believe that it could happen.

It has taken way too long for this franchise to reach the top. Sure, they have come close a few times, but the Sharks have ultimately never reached their goal. It is safe to say that some of the player on the Sharks’ roster deserve Stanley Cup, namely Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. Both have never won a cup, yet they have stayed incredibly loyal to San Jose. They are getting old and almost reaching retirement age, so that window to win a Stanley Cup just gets smaller and smaller.

But the one guy who deserves a Stanley Cup more than anyone else in the San Jose Sharks’ organization is GM Doug Wilson. He has worked tirelessly to make sure that his team makes the playoffs and at least has a chance at a championship. Time after time, he has dejectedly watched them fail and crumble short of the finish line.

Time is running out, both for the Sharks’ team and Wilson. Their core, star players are getting old, and there may not be anyone good enough to fill their shoes. But for Wilson, his seat is getting hotter and hotter with every loss the team garners. If he does not deliver a Stanley Cup this year, it could be possible that the Sharks kiss GM Doug Wilson bye-bye.

So what do you think? Will Doug Wilson be fired if he does not deliver a Stanley Cup to San Jose? Answer the poll above and feel free to comment below.

Eric He is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report.